(Trenton) - The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) today announced the start of construction on a project to improve traffic flow and motorist safety along a section of Route 10, between Main Street and Hillside Avenue, in Roxbury, Morris County.

There are two existing shopping malls along Route 10 eastbound, on either side of Commerce Boulevard, that generate a volume of traffic that the existing intersections were not originally designed to handle.

The $4.1 million federally-funded project aims to reduce congestion and improve safety through the implementation of the following upgrades along the 0.9 mile stretch of Route 10 through the corridor, located just south of Route 46:

• Installation of a new traffic signal at the intersection of Route 10 and Mary Louise Avenue. This will provide access to Route 10 West Bound from Righter Road and Wal-Mart Shopping Center.
• Installation of a new traffic signal at the intersection of Main Street and Commerce Boulevard. The intersection will also be widened, slightly, to provide new dedicated turning lanes.
• Realignment of the forward jug-handle at Route 10 and Commerce Boulevard to tie into the new traffic signal.
• Widenening of the north leg of Commerce Boulevard to provide dedicated left and right-turn lanes, along with a through travel lane.
• Route 10 will be resurfaced and restriped from Route 46 to just west of Hillside Avenue.
• A new auxiliary lane will be constructed on Route 10 westbound for access to the new relocated Commerce Boulevard ramp.

Route 10 carries two travel lanes in each direction through the area, with auxiliary lanes at certain locations. All lanes on Route 10 will be maintained during daytime and peak period hours, with traffic shifts in place utilizing the existing highway shoulders. Periodic single-lane and shoulder closures may be implemented along Route 10 during off-peak hours. During various stages of construction, NJDOT will periodically need to close some jughandle ramps throughout the project limits.

The Department held Public Information Centers in December 2010 and January 2013 to provide interested residents with the opportunity to review exhibits of the project, ask questions and discuss issues with representatives. NJDOT anticipates the project, designed in-house by NJDOT engineers with consultant assistance, reaching completion in spring 2014.

In advance of this project, under a separate construction contract, the left turn lane from Route 10 eastbound to Hillside Avenue approaching Hillside Avenue was extended to accommodate more storage.

Dynamic message signs will notify motorists of upcoming traffic pattern changes. The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors. Motorists are encouraged to check www.511nj.org for real-time travel information.